Elon Musk 'would like' to buy Liverpool FC

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has reportedly shown interest in purchasing a stake in Liverpool Football Club, citing a personal connection to the city, according to his father, Errol Musk.

During an appearance on Times Radio, Errol Musk addressed rumours of his son’s interest in the club, sparked by reports suggesting the world’s richest man was planning to invest in the Premier League side.

When asked by presenter Kait Borsay whether Elon Musk intended to buy Liverpool FC, Errol responded cautiously: "I can't comment on that, they'll raise the price." He further admitted, "Oh yes, [he has expressed a desire], but that doesn't mean he's buying it."

Pressed on whether acquiring the club was a serious possibility, he added: "He would like to, yes, obviously. Anybody would want to – so would I."

Family ties to Liverpool

Errol Musk elaborated on the family’s emotional connection to Liverpool, revealing a deeper reason for his son’s interest. "His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives in Liverpool," he explained. "We were fortunate to know quite a few of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family. So, we are attached to Liverpool, you know."

This isn’t the first time Elon Musk has hinted at owning a football club. In 2022, he tweeted jokingly about buying Manchester United, later clarifying it was not a serious statement. However, Musk did admit that United was his favourite team growing up.

Liverpool FC's ownership

Liverpool FC is currently owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who purchased the club in 2010 for £300 million. The club's value has since skyrocketed to an estimated £4.3 billion, according to Forbes.

FSG, who also own the Boston Red Sox and a majority share in the New England Sports Network, have faced criticism from Liverpool fans for what some perceive as inadequate investment in the squad. In September 2023, the group sold a minority stake to investment firm Dynasty Equity to address financial pressures stemming from the pandemic. The funds were directed towards paying off debts, enhancing Anfield Stadium, and repurchasing the Melwood training ground for the women’s team.

Despite ongoing rumours about a possible sale, FSG’s principal owner, John W. Henry, has dismissed the idea of selling the club outright. Speaking to the Boston Sports Journal in 2023, he remarked: "Will we be in England forever? No. Are we selling LFC? No. Are we talking with investors about LFC? Yes. Will something happen there? I believe so, but it won't be a sale."

Musk’s financial clout

Elon Musk, whose ventures include Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X, boasts an estimated net worth of £343 billion. Acquiring Liverpool FC at its current valuation of £4.3 billion would represent just over 1% of Musk’s fortune.

For now, Liverpool fans and football enthusiasts alike await clarity on whether Musk’s "emotional attachment" to Liverpool could translate into a stake in the historic football club.